MARK LILLIS says he’ll meet the challenge of managing Huddersfield Town head-on – for however long it lasts.

The popular former striker, who stepped up from academy to caretaker manager following Lee Clark’s sacking on Wednesday, is determined to keep the club’s League I promotion push firmly on course.

And he believes he has the know-how and quality of players to do exactly that.

“At the end of the day, the players are the most important thing in all this,” said the 52-year-old, who has built-up a wealth of coaching and management experience via spells with Northern Ireland, Macclesfield, Scunthorpe, Halifax, Derby, Stockport and Morecambe.

“I’m in a great position because I’m dealing with some very good players and some very good characters.

“I’ve always encouraged players to have their say, and we have quite a few leaders in our squad.

“And I’ve also been pleased with the reaction of the younger lads, many of whom have never been through something like this before.

“Wednesday was an emotional day for everyone concerned.

“To learn of Lee’s departure came as a major shock, and it was out of the blue.

“There were a few tears shed among the lads, because Lee had brought many of them to the club, nurtured them and built a strong bond with them.

“He’s been fantastic towards me ever since I returned here in December, and his attitude towards me taking over as caretaker was superb, for which I’m grateful.

“I can’t fault any of the players, either, because their attitude in the two sessions I’ve put on has been excellent.